Police and protesters clash in Hong Kong following march

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Skirmishes have taken place between police and protesters in Hong Kong for a second straight day following a pro-democracy march.

While a large crowd rallied in a nearby park, another group of protesters took over a main street, strewing bamboo poles on the pavement and lining up orange and white traffic barriers and cones to try to obstruct the police.

Riot police stand near a water cannon truck as they face off with demonstrators during a protest in Hong Kong (Vincent Yu/AP)

Prior to the skirmishes, tens of thousands of umbrella-carrying protesters marched in the rain in Hong Kong’s latest pro-democracy demonstration.

Many filled Tsuen Wan Park, the endpoint of the rally, chanting, “Fight for freedom, stand with Hong Kong”, the South China Morning Post newspaper said.

The march started near the Kwai Fong railway station, which has become a focal point for protesters after police used tear gas in the station earlier this month.

Police with riot gear could be seen moving into position along the march route.

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Protesters have taken to the semi-autonomous Chinese territory’s streets for more than two months. Their demands include democratic elections and an investigation into police use of force to quell the protests.

Demonstrators carry bamboo sticks to block a road during a protest in Hong Kong (Kin Cheung/AP)

Police said they arrested 29 people, ranging from 17 to 52 years old, for various offences, including unlawful assembly, possession of offensive weapons and assaulting police officers.

The clashes, while not as prolonged or violent as some earlier ones, ended a brief lull in the violence. The protests had been largely peaceful the previous weekend, after weeks of escalating violence.

Protesters in Hong Kong have demanded that the city’s leader, Carrie Lam, step down, though that demand has evolved into a broader call for fully democratic elections.